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Hundreds Expected To Lace Up For Annual Legs Against Arms 5K

April 27, 2013 4:00 AM

(The image below was designed by students from Pepper Elementary School in Southwest Philadelphia when asked to describe their vision of peace in Philadelphia. Credit: Provided by Physicians for Social Responsibility)

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Hundreds are expected to lace up to take a stand against violence and participate in the annual “Legs Against Arms” 5K run on Sunday.

Physicians for Social Responsibility started the race seven years ago.

The doctors are on the front lines witnessing the aftermath of violence every day.

Dan Taylor is a pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Hospital, in North in Philadelphia, and says many young children live in fear because of the violent acts around them.

“There’s actually a study of 7-year-old children surrounding our hospital,” says Taylor, referring to a 2001 study conducted by the hospital. “They asked the children several questions. One was what percentage heard gun shots outside of their homes and 75 percent had hear gun shots and 61 percent of these children also worried that they could get killed. And an unbelievable 10 percent of these kids had witnessed an actual stabbing inside or outside of their home.”

Taylor says many runners represent loved ones lost to violence.

“Two of our medical assistants at St. Christopher’s both lost young family members to gun violence, so we are running for their families and we are running for others that have lost loved ones and to promote the youth we have in the city,” he says.

Last year, Taylor led one of the largest groups.

After the race, there’s a celebration of youth with performances and music.